HENDERSONVILLE, NC — Mr. Thomas “Hamp” Ruth, 91, 709 Arthur Blvd. ,survived by Mrs. Odell Means of the home, died Oct. 18, 2010, at Golden Living Nursing Home in Hendersonville NC.

Born Aug. 25, 1919, a son of the late Willie Johnson Brandon. He was married to Mrs. Elizia M. Ruth of Aliquippa PA., from this union they had nine children. Thomas spent his adult life with Mrs. Odell Means in New York and retired from Plumbers Union #1.

Survivors include three daughters, Annie Mae Good (Sims) of Aliquippa Pa., Rosa Mae Walker of Hartford Ct., Bessie L. Brown of Union, six sons, Thomas Ruth Jr. (Sylvia), Columbus Ruth (Delores), all of Aliquippa Pa., Russell T. Ruth (Geneva), Billy D. Ruth (Chrystal), all of Hartford Ct., James Ruth (Vera), Willie Ruth (Patricia), all of Union; two stepdaughters, Betty Smith McQuillar (Joseph) of Virginia, Laura Good Smith of Coney Island NY.; four sisters, Lizzie Wright of Rock Hill, Marry Gist, Rosie Gambel, both of Jersey City, Bessie Caldwell of Columbia; 34 grandchildren; 66 great-grandchildren; 29 great-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-great grandchildren; and two caregivers, Joseph McCorkle and Dot Boler.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 23, 2010, at 1 p.m. at The Lewis Funeral Home with Reverend James L. Mason officiating. Interment will follow at Mitchell Chapel Baptist Church.

The family is at the home of his granddaughter Jackie Lott, 508 Toluca St. Union SC 29379.

The Lewis Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.

Sign the guest register at lewisfuneralhomeofunion.com